COLUMBIA SEMINARY Vantage SPRING 1986 Columbia begins course on experiencing alternative context Hove DOES THE church relate to a volatile world which becomes smaller each year? As one way of seeking responses to this question, Columbia Seminary has developed a new course: Alternative Contextual Experience Now in its first year, the course, a carefully designed part of the curriculum, requires students to examine the nature of an unfamiliar social context and how the church ministers within it. During the second year of seminary, students take the Alternative Context course. They may choose to work during the fall semester in Atlanta with public housing, prisons, or shelters for homeless people, or they may spend the month of January in the Caribbean, Central America, or Central Europe. The overseas segment of this course particularly emphasizes Columbia's growing commitment to international theological education. Dr. Erskine Clarke, director of the international program, reports, "Over half of Columbia's second-year students have had an international experience as a result of this year's Alternative Context course. This experience is part of our international program.'' During the international experience, students explore a radically different culture and observe how the church functions in the society. Before leaving Columbia, students attend lectures related to their particular region. During the course, students work on individual projects which focus on politics, economics, family, therapy, art, or religion as a way of trying to understand the society. Church leaders in each country help organize the three-week trips and make important contacts for the groups. Because of this invaluable aid, the students are able to meet with significant leaders in numerous fields. After returning to Columbia, all three groups come together for a debriefing and evaluation period. Many students describe the trips to Jamaica, Central America, and Germany as pivotal experiences in Columbia students in Central America pose for a group picture in Costa Rtu their theological education. John Barbour, who traveled in Central America, claimed, "It was a rich, life- changing experience. We lived in the countries. We couldn't escape to our affluent world. It truly challenged our concepts of religion and culture." John's group of eight students, along with Professor Catherine Gonzalez, spent three weeks in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. The group went first to Costa Rica because of us stable political atmosphere. While they were in San Jose, they talked with political leaders and exiles from both Nicaragua and El Salvador. Dr. Gonzalez reported, "The divisions in Nicaragua were a great change after Costa Rica. Even the church is divided between traditional views and the ideas of liberation " She continued, "We learned so much about the situation because the people of Nicaragua are naturally gregarious. We met with church leaders, but we Continued on pa%e 2 Lay Institute created with $1,000,000 gift Vice President for Development /Seminary Relations James F. Dickenson, Vice Presi- dent for Business Affairs Sidney Anderson, and President Philips receive check for $1,000,000 from anonymous couple. An anonymous Presbyterian couple has made a one million dollar commitment to Columbia Theological Seminary and its continuing education program, President J. Davison Philips announced. The gift will create the Lay Institute of Faith and Lite, with the purpose of establishing a more extensive continuing education program for lay men and women. "We are deeply grateful for the vision and generosity of these donors. An institute of this magnitude will have significant impact in the Church and the world. In addition to increasing our continuing education offerings for lay persons on our campus, we will now be able to take these programs to our constituency in other locations in partnership with presbyteries," Dr. Philips said Columbia Seminary, recognizing that it has responsibility for the education of laity as well as clergy, has developed the second largest continuing education (non-credit) program of the eleven Presbyterian theological schools nationwide. The Lay Institute of Faith and Lite will enhance and broaden these continuing education programs for laity throughout the Southeast. This gift will provide funds each year for salaries of professors and support personnel, the administrative costs for conducting the courses at the seminary and in other locations, monies for library acquisitions, a resource center, and other related expenses. Some projected areas for a lay education program include officer training, revitalization of congregations, equipping of laity for pastoral care and youth work, the relationship of the Christian taith to current issues, and theological study tours. D From the President J. Davison Philips Alternative Context Continued from page 1 were also included in a community meeting which was organizing a new neighborhood in Managua." The week in El Salvador brought the group very close to war. John Barbour said, "We felt the tear of war when we heard the bombs at night. The power of faith took on a new meaning when we saw how high the cost of discipleship can be in Central America." The group met ( hristians who have remained strong during persecution and began to understand the hardships of living in a culture which opposes Christianity. The trip to Jamaica, let by professors Clarke and Robert Ramey, was based in Kingston, where the group talked with top Jamaican political leaders, met with the U S Ambassador, and walked through the meanest slum areas. The group also heard special lectures and visited various parts of the island. Karen Walkup, one of ten students on the trip, responded, "The contrasts that we saw in lifestyles were over- whelming It was uncomfortable, unsettling It made me realize in a vivid way that we have many of the same inequalities in the United States The group in Jamaica had several opportunities to observe the church at work in both urban and rural settings. It was an encouraging and inspiring experience. In one particularly depressed urban community, a local congregation worked with people as they struggled for a new sense of personal dignity and economic independence Karen said, "There is a mutuality in the ministry there. The church works with the people to determine and meet community needs." Six students traveled to Europe and faced the complex situation of Berlin. The group spent a week visiting cities in East Germany before settling in Berlin for two weeks. Dr. Fred Bonkovsky, leader of the group, By this TIME m the academic year, we have had more than LOO prospective students visit Columbia Semmar\ They represent various categories college students, second career candidates for ministry, men, women, Americans and internationals, various racial groups. The things that they have in common arc their commitment to Christ in response to a call to faith and their growing sense Of a call to ministry. Our faculty and Staff, under the leadership of Dr Phil Gehman and Ruth Tidd of the admissions office, coordinate an intensive effort to provide information, offer personal counsel, and admit those who have the faith, qualifications, and attitude which make effective ministers for Christ and the Church. What do they find here? They find a seminary of the Presbyterian Church, with a campus and faculty which are eminently suited for the purpose of educating and nurturing ministers. Professor Hendnkus Berkhof or Leiden, Holland, wrote to me recently with appreciation for his experience as Smyth Lecturer at the annual Columbia Forum in February. He expressed his greatest appreciation for the opportunity to become acquainted with a place of sound and joyful learning." I am glad that such an evaluation appears to me to be quite accurate. God is blessing us through the prayerful support of Presbyterians and other friends of Columbia. I pray that we may use our resources and opportunities to the fullest for God's glory' Faithfully yours, explained the emphasis on Berlin by citing the unusual mixture of four cultures which they observed in the city: Socialist, Turkish immigrants, American military, and West German culture. Bonkovsky commented, "We had remarkable exposure to socialism in East Berlin It was both scary and challenging for us." He added, Visiting Berlin is like taking a crash course on the twentieth century." The students had direct contact with significant ethical and theological issues which impact the modern world. Bill McKissack, a student on the trip, reacted strongly to the divisions within Germany. He said, "There is a great wound in Germany. It splits families and causes grief. The signs of the Holocaust and death are very evident in Berlin. It's shocking." The German church stands at the center of the Protestant heritage and at the center of the contemporary culture The group was able to visit the famous church at Wittenberg, where Luther nailed his 95 Theses, but they also saw the modern church at work. Dr. Bonkovsky said, "The church belongs to the people. It is a revelation to sec an emphasis on weekday activities rather than Sunday worship The church gets very involved in social services For all of the second-year students, whether they experienced the urban culture of Atlanta or the culture of a different country, the Alternative Context program challenged American concepts and patterns of living. By grappling with the concerns and questions of other people, the students developed new perspectives. As a result, they claim a better understanding of American culture and its relation to other cultures. However, the challenges remain How is God at work in society' What should the church's role be in society? There is no simple answer. As one Jamaican minister expressed it, "I don't think the Christian life is intended to be comfortable." John A. Conant, Chairman $6,000,000 effort underway Columbia Seminary has. launched its Toward 2000 Capital Campaign to secure $6,000,000 over the next two years. Campaign activity began Jan. 1, 1986. Chairman of the campaign, John A. Conant, of the John Harland Corporation, Atlanta, has announced that as of Mar. 1, 1986, one-third of the goal has been committed in pledges and gifts. The goals of the campaign are to secure funds for a continuing education program, one new endowed professorship, renovations for four buildings (Campbell Hall, Student Center, Friendship Hall, and the John Bulow Campbell Library), the international student exchange program, student scholarships, and construction for two new buildings, a continuing education center and a media center. President J. Davison Philips has said, "Presybtenans look to Columbia as a place to educate and nurture church leaders. Columbia is faced with great opportunities and challenges today, new and significant resources in endowments are needed as we move toward the twenty-first century. May God bless and lead us in this great campaign." Because the campaign will not be conducted in churches, sessions of churches will not be contacted. This campaign is an effort to contact individuals who have an interest in theological education and foundations/ corporations which have expressed interest in Columbia Seminary and its programs. The members of the committee as well as the seminary community believe that the campaign goal is attainable and necessary; the seminary needs to secure additional funding to prepare itself for the twenty-first century. This two-year campaign is the first step. Phase I, of securing $45,000,000. The Board of Directors has approved a fifteen-year, three- phase campaign to meet the needs detailed in the Toward 2000 Report. Phase II will come in the early 1990s, and Phase III will take place in the latter part of the next decade. Guided by the need for strong, outstanding leadership throughout the Presbyterian Church (USA), Columbia has as its mission the preparation of ministers of Christ for service in the church, the community, and the world This mission extends to nurturing those already ordained through a program of lifetime learning, and to serving as a theological research center for the entire church. The seminary combines the strength of its Christian commitment and heritage with the people and programs gathered to fulfill its mission. Columbia provides a strong educational and spiritual foundation and a caring community for developing leaders of the church. Columbia functions in the present, but it also has an eye on the future. As we look toward the beginning of the next century, the seminary will be well -prepared for the new ministers of Christ by the year 2000. Campaign Committee John A. Conant, Chairman Atlanta, GA Howell E. Adams Atlanta, GA William T. Bryant Nashville TN John R. Chambless Montgomery, AL Ludwick M. Clymer Fort Myers. FL Howard Ector Atlanta, GA Florida Ellis Atlanta, GA Langdon S. Flowers Thomasvtlle, GA Edward P. Gould Atlanta. GA James V. Johnson Columbus. GA P. Randolph Kowalski Greenville. SC J. Erskine Love Atlanta. GA W. Sloan McCrea Miami. FL William J. Noonan, Jr. Pensacola. FL Joseph E. Patrick Decatur. GA Hansford Sams, Jr. Decatur. GA John H. Weitnauer Decatur. GA Two for the ministry "Mom. somebody told me that you're going to be a minister!" Laura Rains* teenaged daughter was beginning to realize the full import of her mother's theological studies. Indeed, Laura and Tom Rains surprised many people by their separate decisions to enter Columbia Seminary. After two decades of marriage, family, and careers, Tom and Laura are now full-time students preparing for the ministry. The decision came first for Laura and was the culmination of many varied experiences. She had attended Agnes Scott before leaving in 1964 to be married. Returning fifteen years later, Laura finished her degree in art and also pursued an interest in English literature. She graduated in 1981 when she was expecting her third child, Thomas. During the intervening years Laura had become active in the Atlanta Junior League, serving as the president in 1977. For four years in the late 1970s she served as a lay member of the Judicial Qualifications Commission for the state of Georgia. This commission researches cases involving judges, and Laura's term as a member taught her much about the justice system. In addition, Laura and a partner started a small publishing company in 1975 to produce materials on Atlanta for the bicentennial. Laura is still involved with the business, but she works on projects only as time allows. Laura also had a full-time job as mother to daughters Laura and Adair, who are now 18 and 15. When Laura returned to Agnes Scott, she was not actually thinking of seminary. "During my senior year, they put up material for Columbia's weekend for prospective students, and I kept bumping into it everywhere I went," Laura explains. She attended the conference and also met with Professor Ben Kline, who had been dean at Agnes Scott during Laura's first years there. Laura smiles as she remembers, "It all made sense. Pieces of my experiences fit together, and bells started ringing." Laura knew she was called to ministry, but responding took much preparation both for her and the whole family. She began to take one course at a time starting in 1982 while her son Thomas was still an infant. Last year she moved to halt- time status. After much patient waiting, she finally became a lull-time student this past fall. "I am anxious and hungry to learn. I just wish I had 36 hours a day to juggle everything," she says. Tom finished the application process for Columbia last May and jumped directly into the summer Greek school. He admits, "I kept running into ministry in everything I did, and 1 finally gave in. However, I wouldn't tell anyone that I was a seminary student for a long time " Tom graduated from Washington and Lee in June of 1963 and later received a master's in business Laura and Tom Rains administration from Emory University in 1980. For eighteen years, Tom worked in Atlanta with real estate investments and other business ventures. After finishing a big development project in 1981, Tom began to explore other business options. "I didn't realize that I was exploring options for my whole life," Tom explains. Tom had been serving on the board of directors for Northside Hosital, and this position had become an avocation for him. With thoughts of combining interests in health care with his work in the church, Tom joined a PC(USA) Mission Board trip to Zambia, Africa, in 1984 and studied their health care facilities. Though this experience nudged him toward ministry, he became more convinced when he spoke with an Emory business professor about the possibility of teaching graduate courses. Instead of encouraging teaching, the professor urged Tom to talk about ministry with Dr. Charles Cousar at Columbia. As a result, Tom gave in, left the business world, and is now a full-time student handling the hectic pace of first year studies. Both Tom and Laura cite their experiences at Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta as influential factors in their calls to ministry. "The training events and biblical study gave us an excellent background for seminary," Laura claims. Tom adds that responsibilities such as teaching Sunday school and co-chairing the Mission Committee and the Every Member Canvass Committee gave them both opportunities for service and leadership in the church. The combined knowledge and experience proved to be very helpful in leading them to seminary. The younger members of the Rains family are still adjusting to the huge change which has taken place in the household. "When Mom went back to school, it was okay. When Dad went also, the children wondered if it was something they would catch," Laura explains. Although the basic family values have not changed , the total commitment to ministry has stirred Up the family lifestyle. When Mom and Dad leave well established jobs for school, the style of living changes accordingly Tom Sfl "We're taking back the lifestyle thai we had given to our children All of a sudden. Dad is cutting back on expenses and allowances ." Laura affirms, This has definitely caused growth in the family unit that would not have occurred otherwise. However, it is not without pain, and thai pain comes in different forms for different family members." Tom and Laura have found that friends arc generally supportive of their decisions. Tom states, "When you say you're in seminary, it is initially a conversation stopper Then most people become very interested in learning about what you're doing." Laura reasons that it is not unusual for a friend who has seen you in one- role to have a bit of difficulty adjusting to your new position. However, reactions to their pursuing ministry, both individually and as a couple, have been affirming. When speaking of the difficulties of the present situation, Laura says, "We're still trying to absorb the tremendous amount of change in our lives." Tom's decision to enter seminary last summer was a quick one, and he claims that he is still catching up with himself. Though both admit the confusion of accepting so much change after nineteen years of stability, Laura and Tom affirm the guidance of God as they look ahead. Both Laura and Tom would like to work in a parish and be involved with preaching and teaching. Laura affirms, "We have individual calls. While we would enjoy working together, we do not want to put that constraint on the process of finding a church. ' This summer they will be in different locations as they fulfill the course requirements for full-time supervised ministry. Meanwhile, Laura and Tom, who are one of seven clergy couples at Columbia, an i njoj ing thi academii challenges at the seminary. Tom especially enjoys hearing tht perspec- tives Ol smaller Presbyterian churches au<.\ absorbing stimulating ilassroom material lama States, I can see doors opening w i i ould nevei imagini tht was pieces ol our lives are (Hit together I am learning what I didn't even know I needed 10 learn about ministrj i in pieces ol lif< s i icpei ieno s an coming togi thei as I om and I aura have time for Study and reflection at seminary. Things mesh you begin to tie disciplines together," Tom says \ iiu j t... us "ii mi.li rstanding themselves, the church, and thi changing world, lama and Tom articulate the challenge ol ministi | \\ i have i" undi rstand peopli . to use .an experience and background to give meaning to the Gospel That s whai ii s all aboUl "Q WrttK S X8 is from Man- illa, GA. Graduation '86 COLI MBl \ Si MINAM ILl hold its 1986 I ommencemeni i tercisi Decatur Presbyti nan < hun h on Sunday [unt I . at A p.m. Some loo studt ins will receive degrt i s; more than (>0 students will receive ill' lii 51 professional degree the Doctor of Ministry m Sequence, thi Mastei ol Divinity, the- MA in Vouch Ministrj or thi M A m 1 1" ologii al Studii s The n maindet ol tht graduate s will receivt thi Mastei ol Theology oi thi Doitor ol Ministrj in Ministry degrees Speakers for this year s exert ises are both distinguished graduates of ( olumbifl I hi R.I \ Joanna Adams '78 will preach the Baccalaureati sermon ai ( i rural Presbyterian Church on June I at 1 1 a.m. M. Adams, associate pastor and minister to tht community at ( entral, is presideni ol the YW(.A of Metropolitan Atlanta and .i member ol the Brit I Stan m< m Committee, Presbyterian < hurch (USA) She is a member of Columbia's Presidential Search ( Committee and has served as presideni oi the seminary's Alumni ai Assoi iation Dr I Mans Daniel 66 this year's Commencement speaker, is pastoi "i 'Ii' Decatur Presbytt rian Chun ii He i arned tht Ph I) from VanderbUl University ami tau beginning Greek for the DivinifJ School dure He has also served .is adjuni i professor at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminar) Before coming to Decatur, Dr. Daniel was minister of the first Presbyterian ( hurch, Paducah, KY Saturday, Maj J I, is filled with activities in preparation lor graduation the following day At 2 SO p.m., following graduation rehearsal, the faculty will hold a reception honoring the graduates and (heir guests in the Student (enter Next, the Columbia Choir will present "God's Trombones'' with poems by John Weldon Johnson in the seminary chapel at A JO. Saturday culminates with a dinner tor the graduates, their families and friends, and tht faculty at 6 p.m. m the Student Center. Continuing Education Calendar For further information or to register for courses, call or write. Douglas W. Hix, Director of Advanced Studies, or Sara C. juengst, Associate Director of Advan d Stud.e , Columbia Theological Sem.nary, Decatur, GA 3003 1 / 404 :) / b<^ May 23-25 Together ,N Mission: An Interna Living Experim i "rVamiues A weekend exper.ence in "^'^.""^r^W Calvin Center. Coordinators: Sara Cov.n juengst and Fahed Abu Akel. Cost $45 per adult; $35 per child June 16-27 At Montreal, NC Credit courses* Offered jointly by ?tt J1SSLTSSS Taught by T. Ersk.ne Clarke, Columb.a ^T^ SACRAMENTS IN CONGREGATION*! LIFE Taught by D Cameron Murchison, Union professor, ^O^^t^ZZ^TGo For*: God's G^M * G-^. THE WOMEN'S STUDY BOOK FOP ^^J^^L Jud.th Todd, the author, Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, CA. <~ost 2 2 THE B.BLE As CANON Taught by James A. Sanders, Clairmont School of Theology, Clairmont, CA. Cost $50. 3 NEW &FSBYTER1AN LITURGIES ON THE SACRAMENTS Taught by Catherine G. Gonzalez, Columbia professor. Cost $30. 4 ROLE EXPECTATIONS EOR CLERGY W,v* Taught by Carohne Leach. Associate Dean of Students at Columbia Cost $50 5. A Look at Habits of the Heart. Taught by Douglas W. Hix, Columbia professor. Cost $50. Johnson 6. SIXTH ANNUAL SCHOOL OF EVANGELISM Directed by Ben C. Johnson, Columbia professor. Cost $50. July 7-18 On the seminary campus. Credit courses.* Ta K , K 1 Sociological Study of the Church and the Community Taught by Harvey K Newman, Georgia State University professor ^Pastoral Care and GrIef Taught by Jasper N. Keith, Columbia professor. July 14-18 On the seminary campus. 1 HOW TO TEACH Remember and Go Forth: Gods Covenant With the Om2u? ofFauh. the Women's Study Book for 1986-87 Taugh t by Mary Boney Shears, Professor Emer.ta, Agnes Scott College. Cost $25^ 2. Rethinking the Reformed Tradition Taught by George W. Stroup. Columbia professor. Cost $50. 5. CHRISTIAN EDUCAT.ON IN THE Small CHURCH Taught by Sara Covin Juengst, Associate Director of Advanced Studies at Columbia. Cost $50. 4. The Minister and Depression: Self and Others. Taught by Brian H. Childs, Columbia professor. Cost $50. 5 Planning Family Ministries Taught by Carol Ikeler, Staff Associate for Family Ministries. D.v.sion of National Ministries, General Assembly Mission Board. Cost $50. . w;11 6. Preparing to Preach for Advent and Christmas Taught by J. Will Ormond, Columbia professor. Cost $50^ 7 SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY Directed by William J- Vamos Director for Center for Christian Growth, Lafayette, IN. Coordinated by Ben C. Johnson, Columbia professor. Cost $50. Tulv 21-August 1 On the seminary campus. Credit courses.* 1 Activating Congregations for Effective Ministry Taught by A. A Markley, Executive Presbyter, Congaree Presbytery 2. Preaching from the Psalms Taught by James D. Newsome, Columbia professor. Two week cred.t courses: prerequisite - M.DW. or equivalent You may take ONE of the cred.t offerings in each two-week per.od and thus earn three semester hours in each two-week per.od. Cost per course $330 Present PA.** " m F ' n ' s < Perspect.ves. The task G Thompson Brown. Associate fotce .s wr.tmg a study paper for the Professor of World Chr.snani.y at PC(USA). In January he attended the _ Columbia, spoke on "Christianuy and turned on page , For the Record Continued from page 6 meeting of the Council of Theology and Culture and in March the meeting of the Select Committee on a Brief Confession of Reformed Faith in St. Louis. Dr Stroup delivered an invited paper on "The Role of Narrative in Calvin's Hermcneutic" at the Calvin Studies Colloquium, Davidson College in January. In February he taught seminars on "The History of the Book of Confessions" and "The Theology of the Book of Confessions" for Grace Presbytery at First church, Arlington, TX. Professor Stroup delivered lectures on "The Place of Evangelism in Reformed Theology" at First church, Dallas. David Moessner, Associate Professor of New Testament, attended the southeast regional meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature Conference in Chattanooga in March On Feb. 3 David Gunn, Professor of Old Testament at Columbia, read a paper on the parable of the un)ust steward to the New Testament Colloquium of Emory University. He spoke on Biblical studies to the Update for Ministers in Nashville and Temple Terrace and read a paper on Naomi and Ruth to the regional meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature with Danna Nolan Fcwell at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, in March Dr. Gunn led a study group on the Samson story as part of a forum organized by the southwest cluster of Atlanta Presbytery at First church, LaGrange. In early April he attended a conference on the Bible and Literary Theory at the University of Colorado in Boulder.D Alumni/ae Association officers During its annual meeting at Forum the Alumni/ae Association elected the following officers for the coming year. Hugh Hamilton '80 is the new Association president. Hugh has already shown his leadership qualities by serving as president-elect. He was associate pastor of the Starkville, MS, Church before becoming pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Covington, TN. Hugh and his wife Sandy have an infant daughter. Bob Pettit 62 is this year's president-elect. He has served churches in Abbeville, Aiken, and Spartanburg, SC. Currently, Bob serves as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Anderson, SC. Anna Case Winters '78 is the new vice-president. Anna has served churches in several different states and is currently associate director of field education for Vanderbilt Divinity School. She is working on a PhD in theology at Vanderbilt University and is married to Mike Winters 76. This year's secretary-treasurer is Catherine Mason "82. Cathy has served as the Association's vice- president and is familiar with its responsibilities. She is assistant pastor, director of children's work, at First Presbyterian of Hampton, VA, and is married to another Presbyterian minister, Jay Wilkins.D Development I Seminary Relations By James F. Dickenson Vice President, Development/Seminary Relations The Columbia Seminary story Thi DAThs for the 1987 Forum have been moved to February 2-5, Monday through Thursday. Speakers will be Tom Long, Smyth Lecturer; Paolo Ricca, Alumni/ae Lecturer, Joe Roberts, Forum Preacher. An exciting ano enthusiastic story is going on at Columbia Seminal) Morale and energy are very high, and those working here feel a strong sense ,,t commitment to making the seminary one of the finest in the world. The past ten years have seen the institution make giant strides, today it is one of the leaders in theological education. Let me list a few ot the seminary's assets. A strong faculty with plenty of depth. Good management and administration A student body numbering 474 in six degree programs. Six degree programs Master of Divinity, Master ot Theology, Doctor of Ministry, Master ot Arts in Theologic.il Studies, Master of Arts in Youth Ministry, and Doctor of Sacred Theology. Good relationships with the denomination, the supporting synods, presbyteries, and churches. A desire to be strong Harrison Taylor '34 ably led the Alumni/ae Association as president last year. TO OUR READERS We apologize for the mailing problems with our winter issue of Vantage. We hope we've straightened out those computer glitches and that the problems are solved However, please let us know i you continue to receive multiple copies. Editor Vantage Vol. 78, No. 1, Spring 1986 Published quarterly by Columbia Theological Seminary The Department of Development/ Seminary Relations Editor: Juliette Harper Associate Director of Seminary Relations Postmaster: Send address changes to Vantage Columbia Theological Seminary P.O. Box 520 Decatur, GA 30031-0520 academically and responsivi ra the needs of the Church, An openness to creative new programs, such as evangelism, internationalizing theological education, a strong Doctor ot Ministry program utilizing oil CampUS satellite groups, ami a M, \. continuing education program tor thi laitj . whii i> vmII I, tailed The lnstitui I aiili an. I I ifi Faculty, administrators, statt, students, all pulling together for the glory ot t rod through [i SUS < hrist. All oi iiu abovi can I" seen an. I documented from various points ol \h\\ Yes, the seminary has comi a long way in the past few years, but we havi furthi i i Fortunately, the Hoard of Directors, our SUppon groups, and others are well ascan ol our long-range plans, and W( Ml On course to achieve those objectives, I suppose for som< that a seminary may not seem to I" an exciting place to work, but, for us, ( olumbia s < minary is the place to bi a j Have you made a commitment to 1985-86 Annual Fund? Columbia Theological Seminary Annual Fund In cons.derat.on of the Semmarys needs, I/we accept the chalk..,, to share in Colombo's comm.tment to shaping Christ.an leadersh.p of excellence Signed My/Our Commitment $ Remainder to be paid as follows: monthly D quarterly D other Enclosed $. Name Address City State Zip Area Code Telephone D Scholarship aid Where most needed I would like to have informat.on about the Matching Gift Program. D I would like to talk to someone from Columbia about optional forms of mving Mail to: Columbia Theological Seminary - Annual Fund, Box 520, Decatur, GA 30031 Presidential Search Committee PLEASE ADDRESS all nominations and questions to the committee chairman Dr. William T Bryant, First Presbyterian Church. 4815 Franklin Rd., Nashville, TN 37220 Other members of the Presidential Search Committee are: Joanna Adams, William A Adams, Edith Atkins, Charles Cousar, Ann D. Cousins. McCoy Franklin, Sidney Harmon, Erskine Love, and Sloan McCrea.U Pr^)sorCatherme Gonzalez, Ms. SalmonCampbell, and Pat Bacon '81 led the last worship service during Forum '86. Dr ]im Speed '57, his daughter, Sarah '88, and Professor Will Ormond '43 enjoy a P^ - <>> *-" -- .+.< u-uh Till Campbell during Forum coffee break. break during Forum activities. COLUMBIA SEMINARY Vantage Second Class Postage Paid at Decatur, GA Publication No. 124160 P.O. Box 520 Decatur, Georgia 30031 CONTENTS Alternative Context Course J $1,000,000 Gift l From the President 2 $6,000,000 Effort Launched 2 Clergy Couple ^ Continuing Education 4 Faculty and Administration 5 For the Record Alumni/ae Association Officers ' The Columbia Seminary Story 7